Monday 4th (January 4, 1875)

Bad toothache. – Nice letter from Frau Lucca^[1], also from the conductor Klughardt. – R. reads to me from Gfrörer’s book the definition of the idea of God among different peoples, which is really excellent. –

The toothache bothers me so much that I resort to violent measures, leeches, Kelosal, and whatever I can lay my hands on.

^{[1] Letter from Giovannina Lucca to Richard Wagner, 31st of December, 1874, Original ➝ Richard Wagner Stiftung}

Hirudo mecinalis

^{Some dental practices still offer leech therapy as an alternative treatment method. Through its bite, the Hirudo mecinalis initiates salivary proteins with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. (Richard Polydore Nodder 1795)}

^{Revised translation by Jo Cousins.}